The FIFA Club World Cup continued with a dramatic set of group stage clashes across the United States, delivering heartbreak, breakthroughs, and thrilling finishes. Here’s a summary of the standout matches from the weekend.
LAFC Fall Short Against Esperance
Los Angeles FC’s journey ended in dramatic fashion as they were eliminated following a 1-0 defeat to Esperance Sportive de Tunis in Nashville. Youcef Belaïli’s 70th-minute strike proved decisive, but the MLS side had a golden opportunity to equalize in stoppage time. A VAR review led to a penalty for LAFC, but Denis Bouanga’s effort was saved by Ben Said.
Esperance’s win puts them level on points with Chelsea in Group D, setting up a high-stakes encounter between the two on Tuesday in Philadelphia. A draw will be enough for Chelsea to advance on goal difference, while the winner moves on.
Bayern Edge Boca in Tight Contest
Bayern Munich punched their ticket to the knockout stages with a late 2-1 win over Boca Juniors in Miami. Goals from Harry Kane and Michael Olise sealed the German side’s second consecutive victory in Group C.
Despite a stunning solo goal from Boca’s Miguel Merentiel, Bayern held firm. However, the win came at a cost, with Jamal Musiala forced off with an injury.
Dortmund Survive Sundowns Scare
Borussia Dortmund narrowly escaped a late collapse to defeat Mamelodi Sundowns 4-3 in a Group F thriller at TQL Stadium. Jobe Bellingham scored his first goal for Dortmund, adding to efforts by Felix Nmecha and Serhou Guirassy. An own goal from Sundowns compounded their woes.
Inter Leave It Late
Inter Milan left it until stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win over Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds. Lautaro Martínez equalized with a bicycle kick before substitute Valentin Carboni netted the winner, ending Urawa’s hopes of progression.
Fluminense Keep Hopes Alive
In East Rutherford, Fluminense overcame a halftime deficit to beat Ulsan Hyundai 4-2. Juan Freytes scored the winner in the 83rd minute, while Keno added a stoppage-time goal. Ulsan were eliminated despite a strong first-half showing.
River Plate and Monterrey Draw
A tense goalless draw between River Plate and Monterrey in Pasadena kept both teams in contention in Group E. River had more chances, but Monterrey keeper Esteban Andrada kept them at bay. River’s Kevin Castaño was sent off late for a second yellow.
Juventus Dominate Wydad
Kenan Yildiz starred with two goals and helped force an own goal in Juventus’ 4-1 victory over Wydad Casablanca. Juve sit top of Group G and are close to confirming knockout round qualification.
Wydad briefly threatened after scoring in the 25th minute, but Juve regained control in the second half. Substitute Dusan Vlahovic rounded off the win with a late penalty.
Real Madrid Bounce Back
Real Madrid got their campaign back on track with a 3-1 win over Pachuca in Charlotte, despite going down to 10 men early. Jude Bellingham and Arda Güler scored late in the first half, and Federico Valverde added a third after the break.
The win was Xabi Alonso’s first as Madrid manager. Despite Pachuca’s strong attacking numbers, Courtois stood firm with 10 saves.
Salzburg and Al Hilal Share Points
RB Salzburg and Al Hilal played out a scoreless draw in Washington. Salzburg missed the chance to seal a quarterfinal spot but remain level on points with Real Madrid in Group H. Al Hilal still have hope of progression depending on the final round results.
City Overwhelm Al Ain
Manchester City ran riot against Al Ain with a 6-0 thrashing in Atlanta. Claudio Echeverri and Rayan Cherki netted their first goals for the club, while Ilkay Gündogan added a brace.
City manager Pep Guardiola’s side has already secured knockout qualification and will face Juventus next in a top-of-the-group clash. “I think the result speaks for itself,” said Gundogan after the win.